RM Sotheby's, renowned for its curation of high-end automotive auctions, is once again presenting a remarkable selection of vehicles, this time focusing on the celebrated BMW M series. Following its successful \"Tailored for Speed Collection\" featuring Ferraris, the auction house is now unveiling \"The Best of M Collection.\" This exclusive assembly comprises 22 highly sought-after BMW M cars, predominantly from the 1990s and 2000s, with a few notable exceptions from earlier and later eras. These vehicles are recognized for their engaging driving dynamics, blending modern usability with a raw, unfiltered driving experience that distinguishes them from contemporary, heavily assisted cars.
Among the diverse offerings, a range of convertible and coupe models promises to captivate enthusiasts. Highlights include a striking Phoenix Yellow 2002 BMW Z3 M Coupe and its successor, the 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe. For those who prefer open-top motoring, a 2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster, complete with a rare hardtop, and a 2007 Z4 M Roadster are also featured. A particularly unique item is the 1990 BMW Z1, notable for its disappearing doors and roof. While not celebrated for its outright performance like other M models, its rarity—only 8,000 units produced—makes it a significant piece of BMW's heritage, with an estimated value ranging from €90,000 to €120,000 (approximately $106,000 to $141,000 USD). The collection further includes several other distinguished convertibles, such as the Diamond Black 1992 E30 BMW M3 Cabriolet, the Dakar Yellow 1995 E36 M3 Cabriolet, and a Titan Silver 2002 E46 M3 Cabriolet, alongside a 2003 BMW Alpina Roadster V8, a potent version of the BMW Z8, expected to command between $350,000 and $446,000.
The collection also showcases some of BMW M's most iconic and historically significant models. The oldest entries are a 1975 BMW 2002 Turbo, marking BMW's pioneering turbocharged production car, estimated between $118,000 and $165,000, and a 1980 BMW M1, a true legend projected to fetch between $588,000 and $705,000. Other celebrated models include a 1990 E30 M3 Sport Evolution, a 1995 E36 M3 GT, a 2003 E46 M3 CSL, a 2010 E92 M3 GTS, its four-door counterpart the 2011 E90 M3 CRT, and a 2016 F82 M4 GTS with its innovative water injection system. Modern classics are also represented with a 2017 F80 M3 30 Jahre Edition, a 2023 G82 M4 Edition 50 Jahre, and a 2023 G82 M4 CSL. Additionally, a 2012 E82 BMW 1 Series M Coupe in Valencia Orange and its successor, the 2016 M2 Coupe, complete this unparalleled offering. This auction, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, in Munich, Germany, offers a unique and comprehensive opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to acquire a piece of BMW M's storied legacy.
This impressive collection underscores the enduring legacy of BMW's M division, which has consistently delivered vehicles that combine exhilarating performance with engineering excellence. Each car represents a chapter in the evolution of high-performance automobiles, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and driver engagement. For collectors, it's more than an acquisition; it's an investment in automotive history and a testament to the pursuit of driving perfection. The auction provides a rare chance to own these meticulously crafted machines, perpetuating their story for future generations.